"There is a will to talk about a ban on assault weapons, to talk about how we can reduce gun violence," said Danielle LaFleur Brooks, organizer of the Montpelier rally.

The mother said the withdrawal of State Sen. Philip Baruth's proposed ban on assault weapons upset her. The senator's reason for dropping the bill was that there was believed to be not enough support. LaFleur Brooks wanted to prove that it does exist.

"It's about being willing and visible and to let our elected officials know that we're here and we support them," she said.

Hundreds came to show their support and to listen to different voices on the issue, including John Hollar's, the mayor of Montpelier.

"Anyone with a pulse and a thousand dollars can buy an assault weapon, that's not the mark of a civilized society," said Hollar.

The message of gun control advocates of starting a conversation with lawmakers and opposing sides was clear. However, some supporters for gun rights attended, and they had a similar message.

"We need to work together, we can not let this issue divide our nation," said David Mott, an advocates for firearms rights.

Both sides may not see eye to eye, but LaFleur Brooks said the rally was a step in the right direction.

"[We need to do] what we can do together to respect the second amendment but to keep our public spaces safe," she said.